September 2024.
04. 100 Years of You, The Wellensian Association!
06. Cowboy Carter, A Wellensian Connection
10. The School’s Glastonbury set list
12. How cloning monkeys led to gigging on top of a car
14. Wells in 5 objects
18. Tell me you’re a Wellensian without telling me you’re a Wellensian
26. Coffee break crossword
28. Announcements
30. Dates for your diary
Featured on the cover is Oskar Edwards, OW 2023. A bursary recipient, during his time at school Oskar excelled both academically and athletically, including playing for England.. He is now pursuing an English degree at Loughborough University, where he continues to showcase his skills, playing for the premier student hockey team, Loughborough Students.
A letter from the editor.
Dear friends,
Welcome to this first edition of the brand new OW Bulletin magazine, which brings together stories from across the Wellensian community with a little bit of Wells-based trivia on the side! I hope it will evoke memories of your own time at Wells Cathedral School - the ‘Tell me you’re a Wellensian’ article on page 18 certainly made me smile!
You’ve probably heard much talk in the media about the new Government’s commitment to adding VAT at 20% to independent school fees from January 2025. These are certainly challenging times for our School and our families. For many years, meanstested bursaries have played a very important part in helping children thrive and achieve their potential here at Wells Cathedral School. Indeed, lots of you will have enjoyed bursaries or Direct Grant/Assisted Places to live and learn at Wells in the past. Read on to find out about the difference Charlotte’s bursary made to her.
We really love hearing from you about what you’re getting up to - many of the stories you’ll read in the Bulletin have come about from a chance encounter or conversation with an Old Welly. So please don’t be shy, you can get in touch with the team any time by dropping an email to: alumni@wells.cathedral.school
I hope to see lots of you at events coming up in the next year, do have a look at the ‘Dates for your diary’ section and pencil a few into your calendar. We’ll keep updating the events diary during the year, and you can find updates on the website wells.cathedral.school/foundation or by emailmake sure you’ve shared your email address with us if you want to receive digital updates.
All that’s left for me to say is: happy reading!
Until next time,
Michelle Hancock Director of Development
100 Years of You, The Wellensian Association!
It was fantastic to see so many Old Wellensians come together to celebrate the 100th Birthday of the Wellensian Association on 22nd June.
It was a truly unforgettable experience for all those who came along with big cohorts from the classes of 1974, 1984, 1989 and 2004. The class of 1989, celebrating their 35th reunion, played “how many OWs can you squeeze in a photobooth”, pictured, with hilarious results!
From Luxembourg, Switzerland and Germany to the USA, Australia and New Zealand, we welcomed over 150 OWs from all corners of the world and throughout the UK for this extra special occasion. One OW said the highlights included “meeting up with other people from our year, chatting to old teachers, the music and the delicious food” and suffice to say that catching up with old friends and having the chance to reminisce about School days topped the highlights for many.
22nd June coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Music School and, in another much commented
on high point, was the “excellent” Celebration Concert. Held in Quilter Hall, previously the Music School and another much commented on high point was “the concert was exceptionally good but it was a really superb event all round.”
Several other events took place too. Seven riders took to their bikes for the inaugural Wellensian Road Ride. Two dozen joined former Head Master, Mr John Baxter, for afternoon tea. And over thirty enjoyed tours of the School. “I greatly enjoyed the additional events during the day, as well as the musical entertainment at dinner,” said one OW, “It was good to see such a large group of people attend.”
No birthday party is complete without a birthday cake so Mr John Birch, OW 1949, was invited along with Head Master Mr Alastair Tighe to cut it.
Thank you to everyone who made the day so memorable, we can’t wait to see you all again at the Summer Reunion next year. The only thing we can’t guarantee is the weather!
Save the date: the next Wellensian Association Summer Reunion will be on Saturday 21st June 2025.
Above photo: This team photo shows the 1947 rugby team. Two players joined us in June, John Birch (seated, second from right) and Richard Newton, OW 1952, (standing, far left). Amazing to see them after 77 years!
“I had forgotten what a wonderfully cosy atmosphere Wells pupils enjoy. It is a home away from home and really feels like one.”
Cowboy Carter: A Wellensian Connection.
One of the biggest albums of the year, Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé, came out in March and made history thanks to the work of Nike Koch, OW 1999, and her team at Sony Music. Nike spoke to us about her work in the music industry and taking part in our Careers Event.
“I always knew that I wanted to do something with music… I actually used to tell people that I would work at Sony one day, just to stop the questions about what I want to do when I graduate!
“It seemed impossible to attain at the time, but here I am,” she said, referring to her work at Sony Music for the past 17 years, becoming Senior Director Supply Chain Operations earlier this year.
Nike acts as a ‘conductor’. “You have everything that’s going on in front of you and you need to get the right voices to pipe up at the right time to get the job done, projects delivered on time and releases looking the way they’re supposed to. It’s managing a variety of stakeholders, from labels and management, to marketing, sales, design, manufacturers, and distribution, and knowing how to bring it all together.” You only have to switch on the radio to hear the results of her conducting: Beyoncé’s highly anticipated country album, Cowboy Carter. By mid April 2024 the album had made history: Beyoncé is the first black artist to reach number 1 in the official UK charts with a country album.
“I would absolutely recommend it to Old Wellies! The Alumni network is the best resource for the School’s current pupils.”
Beyoncé’s 2024 album, Cowboy Carter, vinyl record in transparent red
Nike Koch, OW 1999, at her home in Germany
Who has Nike worked with?
| Beyoncé | Adele | Harry Styles | Miley Cyrus | Pink | AC/DC | Foo Fighters | Bruce Springsteen | | George Ezra | Shakira | Justin Timberlake |
History Maker.
How did Nike become part of Sony’s history making team? “I got my first job by asking a small UK based record label if I could help with promotion and they ended up offering me a job as an Office Junior, ” Nike explains.
“After three years I returned to Germany. I applied for a role at Sony Music which I was sure I wouldn’t get, but they liked me enough to create a job around my CV: Digital Business and Special Packaging Co-ordinator, two completely opposite business areas.
“Fast forward and I haven’t worked on the digital side of the business since the very beginning of my Sony Music career. It’s advantageous to have a specialism in this industry, and physical business knowledge is my niche in an increasingly digital world. My current role gives me a very broad remit so that no two days are the same.”
Now working in a global role, something Nike says she would “happily choose over something more localised” allowed her to spend six months in New York for work a few years ago. Nike says the biggest surprise about the industry is “how varied working for a record company could be, and how many opportunities there are. If you don’t know the industry you can easily assume it’s all marketing or promotion, sales and working with artists. I didn’t know there were international departments.”
A vinyl niche in a digital space.
Once believed to have been superseded by the cassette tape, compact disc and quite probably destined for the history books, Nike, who sits on the board of the Vinyl Alliance, is passionate about vinyl records in an increasingly digital space.
“I do seem to spend a lot of time focusing on everything related to vinyl records though, which is something else I’m quite excited about and have developed in-depth knowledge of over the years.” If you come across a special edition record, Nike will have been the driving force and talks animatedly about some of the coloured vinyls she has produced including a limited edition vinyl record in sea glass green for Harry Styles’ album Harry’s House.
Coming home.
Nike speaks fondly of her time at Wells Cathedral School, describing it “like coming home” and we were delighted to welcome her at our Careers Event for Year 10, Year 11 and Lower Sixth pupils in March, just a few days before the release of Cowboy Carter. “There is so much more to music than performing or teaching!” she says.
“When I was a pupil, I thought those were the main areas people would go into and many of my peers have done that.” She advises young people to “look at what else is out there. Get inspired, talk to lots of people, and research the industry.” She speaks enthusiastically about the Wellensian mentor network, Wellensian Connections, and urges pupils and Old Wellensians alike “to reach out to people, talk to them and ask them what it’s like to work in any industry that sparks your interest.”
To find out more about taking part in our next Careers Event contact the Foundation Office on 01749 834251 or via email foundation@wells.cathedral.school. You can join Wellensian Connections by visiting community.wells-cathedral-school.com/careers
The School’s Glastonbury set list.
Glastonbury Festival is a cornerstone of the music calendar. Since its inception at Worthy Farm by Foundation Fellow Sir Michael Eavis, OW 1954, it has grown to be one of the largest music and performing arts festivals in the world. Having left Wells Cathedral School only two years ago, Hetta Falzon, OW 2022 (pictured), has performed at the festival a whopping three times! We spoke to Hetta about her experiences and what her ambitions are.
Inspired by Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles, Hetta is passionate about original music. This year she played on the Bread and Roses Stage and in 2023 she played at the Rum Shack through the Rum Shack Wild Card Competition “Kurupt FM played on that stage, which is so funny, because they’re so different to me,” she recalls.
“The first time I performed at Glastonbury was through a competition called The Pilton Stage. It was two rounds of live auditions, and that was the Gastonbury after my A-levels. I just remember I had my maths A-level on the Tuesday, and then that night I was going into Gastonbury. And I was just sitting there thinking, ‘I just want to leave and go to Gastonbury now’. That was really cool, and that was the first time I played, so it was really crazy.
“Glastonbury has some of the biggest crowds and people are wandering around wanting to find music as opposed to gigs where people have to really want to turn out. But [festivals] are sort of the least glamorous. In my first year, 2022, McFly were playing, so the artist transport couldn’t get to me so I had to walk an hour through the festival with my keyboard, stand and stool. This year, they couldn’t fit my stuff in the lockup, so I had to carry it and I had to take it home every day. But it’s worth it!”
When not studying, Hetta still lives locally and she says that every year lots of people from School, including friends and teachers, come to watch her perform at Glastonbury.
Now studying Popular Music at Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Hetta is gigging throughout the UK and was the supporting artist for fellow OW Cian Ducrot, 2017, on his 2023 Victory Tour. Hetta has just recorded her first studio EP, set for release in early 2025. We can’t wait to see where Hetta’s journey takes her next! Check out her website: hettafalzon.com
Isaac, Year 9, performed as the lead solo drummer on the djembe during the opening ceremony playing with his drumming troupe just before the fireworks display. The troupe performed throughout the Festival, playing traditional West African rhythms with Isaac as lead soloist!
Isabella, also Year 9, performed in three shows at the Glastonbury Festival as a guest performer for Temple Cloud Circus in the Teepee Field. Representing Cirque de Silk, where she both trains and teaches, Isabella showcased her skills on aerial hoop and aerial silk to the festival audience.
A Knighthood for Sir Michael Eavis.
Sir Michael Eavis, OW 1954, has been knighted at Windsor Castle by the Princess Royal for services to music and charity. Michael was our first Foundation Fellow in 2007 and the auditorium in Cedars Hall, the School’s professional performance space, bears the Eavis name. As well as founding Glastonbury Festival in 1970 his philanthropy is unparalleled. Each year the festival raises money for Greenpeace, Oxfam and WaterAid and donates to a plethora of causes both locally and further afield.
Sir Michael Eavis at the opening of Cedars Hall in 2017
How cloning monkeys led to gigging on top of a car.
Saxophonist and recent Guildhall School of Music and Drama graduate Charlotte Arthur (2020), talks to us about her love of the saxophone, performing in a pop band and the difference financial support makes to pupils like her. Charlotte attended Wells Cathedral School for Sixth Form with the support of a Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) grant.
I grew up in Jersey and although there’s a pretty active music scene, I had got to the stage where I had outgrown it. I was looking at going away and Wells just seemed like the perfect option. I loved it!
My first instrument was the recorder and then I watched my teacher play sax in a competition. I said to my mum, ‘I want to do that’. I got a little training soprano which was curved. I just sort of took off with it and I loved it. I was already pretty musical so it came quite naturally and there’s never been anything else that has spiked my fancy. I play flute and clarinet as well as part of my course at Guildhall and I have done violin in the past as well as piano and singing. I was lucky that my parents were very, very supportive, although neither of them were very musical at all.
Arriving at Wells.
The audition process was a bit scary. I remember Ed Leaker and Andy Tweed asking me where I wanted to be in five years and who I listened to. At that stage, I wasn’t looking into the future or anything, I just liked playing saxophone. Then I had an interview with the Head Master, and he asked me to discuss a recent news topic. Everyone else was saying something about Donald Trump or Brexit. My dad emails me news articles every other day and there was one about cloning monkeys and I thought, I’m gonna roll with this.
Ed Leaker was my tutor so I could go to him with absolutely anything that I was worried about. He was teaching me jazz at the time, which was new to me and he was very understanding that I’d get quite frustrated. I was really advanced classically and doing jazz was alien to me. Andy Tweed helped me with everything related to professionalism, including audition stuff and emailing people, which I struggled with for a while. He also helped me with the logistics of being a musician and asking for gigs. I think those two teachers were my angels.
Musically, my absolute favourite memory at Wells was the woodwind promenade concert. I got to play from the organ loft. It was the most sensational thing. I was playing Syrinx by Debussy on soprano. I’ve told people ‘I’ve played in an organ loft in a cathedral’ and they’ll say ‘that’s so cool’. Sometimes you don’t realise how amazing things are at Wells.
Financial support was the only way I could have got to Wells. So that was the entire world to me. I found out by letter that I got in but it was only when I found out I had the funding that I thought ‘I can go!’ I was asking a lot from my parents to support
me financially and emotionally, to go to boarding school, and to do loads of exciting music stuff, when they didn’t really know much about it. It was the only way I could have gone and if I couldn’t have done that, I don’t know where I’d be.
From Guildhall to gigging.
Gig wise, I am currently playing with a pop singer called Peonie. We had a video shoot for her new music video in the middle of nowhere. We’re in this junkyard, filming on top of cars, there were flares and it was mad. I’m doing a lot of gigging with her. I’m so pleased that I’m part of it because it’s really nice to do something that isn’t a classical saxophone. I love pop, I love doing some jazz and being able to do a mix of that is great.
On the classical side of things I’m doing a lot with my saxophone quartet. Our first professional recital out of Guildhall is in Suffolk.
I want to get a job that will keep me in London and maybe get into teaching as teaching in schools is incredible. Then I can do all my evening gigs and rehearsals alongside things. They do tell you it is hard to get into professional gigging unless you’re really lucky and suddenly you get noticed by somebody so I’m really fortunate to be gigging already.
If I can in the future, I’d love to donate money or resources or instruments to Wells. It would be so special as it’s that ‘pay it forward’ principle. I got the opportunity and if I have the opportunity to give back, I would love nothing more.
Since we spoke with Charlotte in April she has performed at both Land Beyond and Great Escape festivals with Peonie. Find out more about bursaries by visiting bit.ly/QuilterFund.
Wells in 5 objects.
To Celebrate 100 Years of the Wellensian Association we dug out 5 objects from the Archive that tell its story.
1. Spade.
The ‘cutting of the turf’ ceremony took place on 14th November 2012 as part of the launch for the Cedars Hall campaign. Sir Michael Eavis, OW 1954, did the honours and the Wells Cathedral School Foundation remains committed to philanthropy at the School.
2. The Wellensian.
First published on 24 March 1888 and priced at 1½D. The paper had morphed into a magazine by June. It continues to this day and true to its original mission continues to share ‘anything interesting taking place in Wells’ and ‘excite some laughter’. The traditional cover remained in use until 1962.
3. Commemorative medal.
Presented by benefactor Dean Arthur Plumptre. These were presented to every Wellensian when they left the school from 1884 until some time before the First World War. It was Plumptre who coined the school motto Be what you are. Today pupils leave the School with a similar token, a keyring engraved with their name.
4. Old Wellensian tie.
Depicting the School shield, an emblem all OWs sported during their time at Wells and reference to the School’s 1,115 year history, the official OW silk tie is a fantastic addition to an Old Wellies’ wardrobe! They can be purchased online bit.ly/WCSshop or by calling Enterprises on 01749 834483. Will you be wearing yours at the next OW event?
5. Boater.
Worn by Senior School pupils until fairly recently, younger pupils wore a School cap. Many OWs hang on to old uniforms as a reminder of their time at School. The Wellensian Association President Charlotte Sheaf, OW 2007, boasts a vintage gym bag which she still uses!
More brass for Zoë!
After being appointed as third horn in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2023, Connaught Brass also welcomed Zoë Tweed, OW 2017, as their new horn player this summer.
In September she took up a position in the Brass Faculty at the Royal College of Music. After Wells, Zoë studied at the Royal Academy of Music.
Fergus appointed Principal Oboe at Royal Opera House.
Fergus McCready, OW 2018, has recently been appointed Principal Oboe with the Orchestra of The Royal Opera House.
At Wells, Fergus was a specialist musician studying with Liz Fyfe and he continued his studies at the Royal Academy of Music. Since arriving in London, Fergus has played Guest Principal Oboe with the Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.
Ed Leaker, Coordinator of Woodwind, comments:
“We are all so incredibly proud of Fergus. He is such an impressive young man and an outstanding musician. His achievements are all the more impressive given his age.”
“We are all so incredibly proud of Fergus.”
Time to Play Your Part.
This September marks the launch of our Play Your Part campaign, which aims to unite our Wellensian community and strengthen our connections with our School and with each other. You’ll hear much more about how you can play your part in the coming weeks and months - there will be a whole range of opportunities to ‘pay it forward’, from networking and mentoring your peers or current pupils, catching up and reconnecting at reunions, to joining our growing band of regular donors supporting bursaries for deserving children. Keep an eye on facebook.com/WellsCathedralSchoolFoundation and wells.cathedral.school/foundation for more.
James set to serve in Hong Kong.
James Hall, OW 2006, was ordained deacon by the Bishop of Bath and Wells at Wells Cathedral on Sunday 30th June. James was a specialist provision trumpeter at Wells and did a degree in Theology at Cardiff before a PGCE in Bristol. He then taught overseas, including in Hong Kong and Kenya, before completing his Masters at Trinity in Bristol. James and his wife, Peggy, left the UK at the beginning of July to take up his curacy at St Andrew’s in Kowloon, Hong Kong.
James pictured with Bishop Michael and other ordinands, second from right
Tell me you’re a Wellensian without telling me you’re a Wellensian.
At the Wellensian Association 100th Birthday party the Association President, Charlotte Sheaf, OW 2007, posed the question: tell me you’re a Wellensian without telling me you’re a Wellensian. Here are just a few of the responses, what’s yours?
Your reunions.
We love that so many of you keep in touch and catch up from time to time.
Thanks to Nick Pickles, OW 1968, for sharing the news of their reunion earlier this year which saw thirteen Old Wellensians and their partners come together.
Nick says “Some of us do keep in regular touch but it was quite something to see so many people, grey haired, balding and well into their advancing years, when we had last seen them as schoolboys in School or on the playing fields. What had not
changed was the wonderful camaraderie with so much pleasure recalling School days and afterwards.
“A big thank you to Chris, OW 1969, and Judith Stott who were wonderful hosts and put on a lovely lunch. Drink abounded along with tales of local scrumpy. Thanks also to Andrew Bright, OW 1969, who recalled those who have passed on and a massive credit also to Roger Parsons, OW 1969, who coordinated and set up this reunion.”
Also in attendance were Jon Allen, Andrew Chambers, Rick Eadie, Ian Hobley, Chris Nicholas, Bob Scriven and Ernie Thomas from the Class of 1969, Mike Stirling, OW 1968, and Tony Lake, OW 1967.
Please send us your photos to alumni@wells.cathedral.school or share them on the Old Wellensians Facebook group.
End of Year Round Up.
The end of the School year is always a busy time awash with excitement and perhaps tinged with a little sadness as pupils and staff move on to new opportunities and adventures.
Sports Day on Tor Field was blessed with glorious weather, making it a perfect day for outdoor activities. The long and high jumpers showcased their impressive skills, while the relay racers and sprinters dashed across the track. Between events, pupils enjoyed a delicious BBQ in the sunshine, adding to the atmosphere. A particular highlight of the day was the staff vs pupils Tug of War, with pupils emerging victorious.
Speech Day rounded off the year. The Prize-Giving ceremony featured an address by renowned writer and broadcaster Horatio Clare. His speech was both inspiring and motivational, urging pupils to “march to the beat of your own drum. Find your path. Measure yourself by your values, no one else’s. Never march in step.” The End of Year Service took place in
the magnificent Wells Cathedral, with the Canon Chancellor, appointed last year, delivering a moving sermon. The service held special significance for the Upper Sixth leavers, who, following tradition, exited through the west end doors of the Cathedral. This symbolic act represents their transition into the next chapter of their lives.
We said goodbye to a number of teachers, house staff and others who will be remembered by the Wells community. Amongst others, you may remember: Mr Peter ‘Bruce’ Harrison, Mr Lawrence Plum, Mr Jim Moretti, Mr Glynn Lancy, Mr Jack Howard, Miss Julia Bird and Mr Dan Trick who between them served the school almost 100 years. We thank them for their commitment and wish them the best for the future.
Pupils achieved outstanding GCSE and A-level results with over 83.9% scoring A*-C at A-level, smashing national averages! Nearly 70% of the Class of 2024 begin at top universities this month, including Oxbridge and conservatoires. Others dive straight into exciting careers, including in the Armed Forces!
A huge congratulations to everyone who received their results last month, we were thrilled to celebrate them on results day (pictured).
London’s Oriental Club and Wells Cathedral School.
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Mayfair’s prestigious Oriental Club. Old Wellensians may apply for Membership and enjoy exclusive access to the Club’s bars, events and accommodation in the heart of London. Members also benefit from reciprocal agreements with Clubs around the world ensuring a warm welcome wherever you go.
Under 26? The OC7 scheme allows OWs to pay a one-off Membership fee of just £350. OWs aged between 26 and 31 can join with a one-off Membership fee of £500.
OWs over the age 31 are encouraged to apply for Membership too. The Wells Cathedral School Foundation can support these applications, removing the need for current Club Members to propose and second the application.
Awards and accolades.
Wells Cathedral School has been named home to one of the 10 most picturesque cricket grounds in Britain. The list, compiled by Chief Cricket Writer Scyld Berry, was published in The Telegraph on Tuesday 26th March. Tom Webley, the School’s Director of Sport and former professional cricketer for Somerset County Cricket Club, comments:
“To be considered in the top 10 most picturesque cricket grounds in Britain is wonderful, especially considering there are several thousand grounds! This is a testament to how special our School cricket ground is, and how incredible our Estates team is to achieve such perfection. It truly is a special place!”
At the end of Term the School was thrilled to win Muddy Stilettos’ Best Schools Awards 2024 for Dynamic Performing Arts (Prep School). It’s a
Best of all, the entrance fee of £1,800, is waived for all Old Wellensians!
If you would like more information on how to join please contact the Foundation Office on alumni@wells.cathedral.school.
wonderful recognition of the amazing work our Prep School does to support such excellence and achievement in the Performing Arts. Wells Cathedral School has also been shortlisted in the Independent School Parent Independent Schools of the Year (ISOTY) Awards for Performing Arts in the Prep School. The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony in October.
Class of 2024 become newest Old Wellies.
The Wellensian Association welcomed almost 100 new members from the departing Upper Sixth. At the end of the year they were presented with their Yearbook and keyrings, as a reminder of the life-long connection with Wells.
Last year’s Heads of School, Dimity Williams and Archie Spindler, have agreed to be the Ambassadors for the Class of 2024. Dimity told the Chair, “I joined the School in Year 5 and have had a fantastic time here. The opportunities that I have been given have been amazing and I’ll be very sad to leave. After School I’m taking a gap year and travelling around South America with some best friends, which I’m looking forward to!”
Archie said, “I’ve just taken my Maths, French and Latin A levels but I’ve been at Wells since Year 9 and enjoyed my rugby and hockey throughout. I have friends across the year group and will miss everyone hugely. We’ll keep in touch and get together in the coming years and I’m really looking forward to arranging our milestone reunion in 2029. My plan next year, though it may change, is to study Russian and Ukrainian at UCL.”
Finally, a massive congratulations to the five recipients of the 2024 Horizon Awards. These are awarded by the Wellensian Association “to enable pupils to explore and experience places, activities and ideas beyond the boundaries of the usual curriculum at Wells”.
“The opportunities that I have been given have been amazing.”
Olympic crew.
Annie Campbell-Orde, OW 2014, made her Olympic debut in Paris as part of the Team GB rowers, competing in the physically demanding Women’s Eight event.
It was a monumental moment in her career, showcasing her years of dedication and hard work. It paid off: Annie and the team brought home a bronze medal!
Molly Lloyd-Jones, OW 2011, also made her mark at the Olympics this summer, albeit in a different capacity. As a Sport Scientist, she played a crucial role in supporting the rowing team. Her expertise ensured that the athletes were in peak physical condition.
Photos kindly shared by the Campbell-Orde family.
Coffee break crossword.
Across
4 The alumni mentoring network, Wellensian ______
6 Former Head who hosted afternoon tea for OWs
7 This year’s Wellensian Association anniversary
9 Date of the London reunion
10 Broadcaster who gave address at Speech Day
12 An instrument OW Charlotte Arthur plays
13 Club OWs receive discounted membership to
Down
1 Drum played by Year 9 pupil at Glastonbury
2 Wells Cathedral School Patron
3 Home to OW who attended to this year’s reunion
4 Beyoncé album OW Nike Koch worked on
5 Unearthed in advance of the Prince of Wales visit
8 One of the top 10 cricket grounds in this paper
11 Olympic sport an OW won bronze in
Answers. Across: 4 Connections, 6 Baxter, 7 centenary, 9 February, 10 Clare, 12 sax, 13 Oriental. Down: 1 djembe, 2 King, 3 New Zealand, 4 Cowboy Carter, 5 grenade, 8 Telegraph, 11 rowing
A royal connection.
In May, we were delighted to hear that His Majesty King Charles III would remain the Patron of Wells Cathedral School after a review of over 1000 royal patronages. Head Master Mr Alastair Tighe said at the time:
“We are thrilled and deeply honoured that His Majesty has chosen to continue his patronage of Wells Cathedral School, especially when we know his support is valued by so many other important institutions and organisations.”
Did you know? A Blue Atlas Cedar was planted by the King, as Prince of Wales, in 1978. Since his
accession it has been known as The King’s Tree, although you may remember it fondly as Charlie’s Tree. At nearly 50 years old it now stands proud and will be remembered by many as a significant landmark on Cedars lawn. Chris Bowles wrote in the Wellensian at the time:
“...Cedars Field was cleared in preparation for the arrival of Prince Charles on the 30th June. During the process a hand-grenade was unearthed. When the Army arrived 24 hours later, it was declared to be a practice grenade, although the police, who only took 1 ½ hours to arrive, had declared it definitely live, and had subsequently placed an orange and white traffic cone over it (perhaps to reduce the blast?).”
Photo credit: Hugo Burnand, Royal Household 2024, Cabinet Office.
Libby Orrett, OW 2009, and her now husband Robbie George were welcomed back to Wells Cathedral School for their wedding in June. They celebrated their special day with a marquee reception on Tor playing field in the shadow of the ever impressive Cathedral.
Photographs provided by Marisoul Studio.
If you are interested in finding out how our expert wedding planners can help you then please get in touch by emailing k.bawden@wells.cathedral.school or calling 01749 834483.
Deaths.
Dr Jessica Martin, teacher of Chemistry from 2012-2016, died on 16th April. She had been under diagnosis for a recently manifested and developing illness, but she was at work until the end. Our thoughts are with her husband.
Chris Farthing, our lead piano tuner at Wells for over forty years, died in May. Chris was a skilled craftsman and generations of Wells pianists benefitted from his dedication and expertise. We extend our sympathy to Clare and his family.
James Howarth, OW 1992, died on 23rd April after a 10 year battle with cancer. He was proud to receive a Foundation Fellowship in 2016 which recognised his contribution to the School and the wider world particularly within education. Our thoughts go to Anna and his family.
Dr Yip Wai-Hong, Wells Cathedral School Foundation Fellow and a giant in the world of music education in Hong Kong, died on 16th June aged 94. His work gave children the opportunity to develop their talents and bring music to Hong Kong.
Nigel Perrin, countertenor, choral director and a voice tutor at Wells Cathedral School for 24 years died aged 76 on 23rd June. Beginning his career as a chorister at Ely Nigel went on to join the King’s Singers after university. Many will remember his great sense of humour and love for teaching. Our thoughts are with Kate and his family.
Matthew Hardyman, OW 1989, died suddenly in August. Mat was described as ‘a strong and fearless advocate’ during his career as a criminal defence barrister and we were honoured to welcome him at the summer reunion earlier this summer. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.
Imogen Moorsom, OW 2022, died at home on 11 August aged 20. Imogen was a talented French Horn player, becoming a BBC Young Musician finalist in 2022. After Wells, Imogen initially continued her musical education at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and more recently had a place to read Natural Sciences at Lancaster University. Our thoughts are especially with her parents Rosemary and Michael as well as all who knew and loved her.
If you have an announcement you’d like to share with the OW community please get in touch by emailing alumni@wells.cathedral.school.
James Howarth
Imogen Moorsom
Dates for your diary.
4 - 7 December 2024
West Side Story
office 01458 442 846 or www. strodetheatre.org.uk
“It’s one of the most special things you could possibly do.”
Charlotte Arthur, bursary recipient, Class of 2020. A Quilter Fund bursary can open the door and transform lives.